Flyers give extension to Stevens

More than a month after saying John Stevens would be back behind the Flyers bench next season, Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren finally put it in writing on Friday, giving his coach a one-year extension worth $650,000.

"John has built strong relationships with many of our young players as well as with the players that joined us over the summer," said Holmgren, who is also under contract through next season. "We believe that he is the right coach to lead our team in a positive direction."

Holmgren said the lengthy negotiations that led to Mike Richards' 12-year contract helped delay Stevens' extension.

Stevens, 41, entered Friday night's game in Buffalo with a 16-13-3 record this season, his first full season behind an NHL bench.

Last year, Stevens took over for Ken Hitchcock eight games into the season and went 21-42-11, finishing with the worst record in the NHL.

"Obviously, I am very excited," Stevens said of the extension. "I have a great relationship with Paul Holmgren and I am thrilled with the opportunity to continue to work with (team chairman Ed) Snider and (team president) Peter Luukko. They have the team going in a real positive direction. They have a long history of winning here and I am excited to be a part of that moving forward."

Stevens entered Friday night's game with a 37-55-14 record in 106 career NHL games. He is the 16th head coach in Flyers history and the fourth former Flyer to be named the team's head coach, joining Holmgren, Terry Murray and Bill Barber.

Stevens, who does not have an agent and joked that his wife, Stacy, did his negotiating, said he was satisfied with the one-year extension.

"I don't look further down the road," Stevens said. "We've got a lot to prove this year, let alone next year. I heard a coach at a clinic once say, 'You're hired to be fired.' I don't look at it that way. I've enjoyed every phase with this organization, playing and coaching. The opportunity to continue is terrific."

Loose pucks: In response to a request by Philabundance, the Flyers are asking fans who attend tonight's home game against the Sabres to bring several non-perishable food items. The items will be collected upon entry to the arena and will immediately be turned over to Philabundance to help those in need of food during this holiday season.